21st Century Hottest on Record as Global Warming Continues – UN
2014’s ranking as the “hottest year on record” is part of a larger climate trend. The overall warming trend is more important than the ranking of an individual year. The United Nations WMO has released its latest findings regarding its global temperature analysis in advance of climate change negotiations scheduled to be held in Geneva from 8 to 13 February.
Liberia: Coastal Defense Paradox – Beach Sand Mining Persists
Despite claims by the government of Liberia that it is committed to a coastal defense plan in order to save the city of Buchanan from sea erosion, beach sand mining in Central and Upper Buchanan continues on a weekly basis.
Hawaii’s Beaches Feature Rainbow of Colors
You might be surprised by the color of Hawaii’s famous beaches sand, it’s not always golden. You’ll find black sand, red sand and even green sand across the island chain.
Where Has All the (Sea Trash) Plastic Gone?
When Spanish scientist Andres Cozar Cabanas compiled the first ever global map of ocean trash last July, he inadvertently uncovered a mystery. Much of the plastic he expected to find bobbing in the oceans, given a quadrupling of plastic production in recent years, had “disappeared…”
Satellite Science Improves Storm Surge Forecasting Around the World
A new online resource which will help coastguards, meteorological organisations and scientific communities predict future storm surge patterns has been created.
The Beach: a River of Sand
You get up in the morning and go out on the beach. It is the same beach you walked on yesterday. Tomorrow you will go to the same beach and it will be there as always. The tide may have brought in some new shells or possibly some trash, but the beach is the beach. It hasn’t gone anywhere. That is an illusion.
Greenland’s Hidden Meltwater Lakes Store Up Trouble
Scientists find evidence of vast ‘storage tanks’ of water deep below the melting Greenland ice sheet that could have a major effect on sea level rise.
Galapagos Emergency Over Stranded Ship
Ecuador has announced a state of emergency in the Galapagos Islands, a week after a cargo ship with hazardous materials ran aground there.
Sharlene Pilkey Leaves Legacy of Activism
“There will only be one Sharlene Pilkey in the history of the world — let me sum it up that way.” “She fought on every front possible. She was a champion for all the people.” Not only did Mrs. Pilkey stand up for others, but she stood up for the area in which she lived.